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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Sometimes I get a book to review, and well, between my life and things going on in my head, we just don't "click."

Unfortunately, that was the sad case for my attempt to read The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow.

I tried. Really, I did.

Nothing against the novel - it's well written, and it's a period piece - think "Downton Abbey" Meets Chicago.

I wanted to read it. I wanted it to click, be enjoyable and well, give me something to recommend to my friends.

I can still do that - and I plan to pass the book on to a friend at church, who I think, will fall in love with the storyline.

Sometimes books don't take. Life gets in the way.

This is one of those times. (Confession time) I haven't been able to sit down long enough to watch the first season of Downton Abbey, even though I want to. Truly.

I can tell you this. The novel is written well. The author has an intriguing plot, and if you like "upstairs/downstairs" storyline - I have a suspicion you will LOVE this book. Don't let my "fail" keep you from discovering a new author.

More About This Book
The whole world is coming to Chicago.
Charlotte’s whole world is coming down around her.
While the rest of Chicago focuses on the enormous spectacle of the
1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, Charlotte Farrow’s attentions are
entirely on one small boy-her boy-whom she has kept a secret from her
wealthy employers for nearly a year.

When the woman who has been caring for her son abruptly returns him
to the opulent Banning home, Charlotte must decide whether to come clean
and face dismissal or keep her secret while the Bannings decide the
child’s fate. Can she face the truth of her past and open her heart to a
future of her own? Or will life’s struggles determine her path?

This compelling story of courage, strength, and tender romance
captures the tension between the glittering wealthy class and the
hardworking servants who made their lives comfortable.

More About The Author

Olivia Newport is the author of The Pursuit of Lucy Banning. Her
husband and two adult children provide welcome distraction from the
people stomping through her head on their way into her books.

She chases
joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies
grow as tall as she is.

Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book
by Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review was
not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were
worried about this detail.